Calling all Sony Alpha users! (Part 3)

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stan the man said:
i'm not overly impressed with the new camera's...plus they seem quite expensive for a begginers/novice DSLR...
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they look like very good entry level DSLRs to me but less likely to appeal to anybody who already has one or better.

As for prices, give it a few months & they will have dropped substantially on the street.
 
I did read somewhere that the prices of the new cameras are supposed to be $50 USD RRP less than current models.

@Stan, As for the a900, remember to budget for the CZ2470. I tried the Tamron 24-135SP and the Tamron 2875/2.8 before the penny dropped.
 
i'm sure they will drop in price a little,but thinking back to when i got my A350(last july),the RRP was about £500 for body and kit lens,and i paid £400 body only...i assume the yen/stirling situation has had a bearing on the current RRP,hence why it is so expensive.

also,the bronze colouring of the A330 is a bit :gag: IMO..
 
Hi,

Just bought my first DLSR (Sony A200) and was wondering if anybody knew what the best settings were on the camera (saturation, sharpness etc)

Also according to google the sweet spot on the kit lens is F8 50mm , is that right?

Cheers

Matt
 
i just saw those new sony lineups... I must say that I m shocked.. its fugly to my eye.. nothing like an SLR.. and the controls seems weird to me.. I prefer the A200 - 350 line up compared to this..
 
Mr. Z said:
i just saw those new sony lineups... I must say that I m shocked.. its fugly to my eye.. nothing like an SLR.. and the controls seems weird to me.. I prefer the A200 - 350 line up compared to this..
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I have to say based on look alone if I hadn't yet bought a DSLR I would not have bought a Sony, my A300 was a cracking looking and handling camera and the A700 I'm getting will be the same, but the new ones look a little odd.
 
chrism_scotland said:
No doubt the exchange rates will make the cameras dearer in the UK, they seem quite expensive when the A700 can be had for £550.
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you are comparing theoretical retail on a brand new camera against street level pricing of an 18 month old one.
The A700s launch price iirc was over £1000 but selling now for little over half that (it's RRP is still £729 body only) .
On that basis in a year's time these will be half-price as well.
 
stan the man said:
simon...it'll be a while before i get my hands on the A900,but i'll keep it in mind re: the CZ 24-70 :thumbs:
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It's worth a mention for sure. Not that I regret getting the a900 at all, but I have spent a lot more money than I was planning since getting the a900.

I was told from a few people who had the a900 about the slippery slope and and the lens options get more limited. It's not that you can't get lenses to match the a900 performance, but there is a lack of mid tier lenses for the Sony mount. There are obviously 3rd party lenses, but it would be lovely to have an f4 option from Sony in the form of G, so a Sony 17-35/4, 24-105/4, 70-200/4 (SSM 'G' versions).
Obviously we have the f2.8 range, but these are over £1k per lens. Even the new Sigma 24-70/2.8 HSM is ~£800

I was hoping to 'make do' with some average FF lenses. Once I took that step to high MP FF, the step only seemed to make sense once I had the glass to match (for my most used). And when the mid tier range is lacking, it gets very expensive.

I sometimes feel that I've gone out on a drinking night with friends, we've all had one too many beers (have a few friends that have also gone FF), and now we are in full flow with the vodka redbulls :thinking:
 
springtide said:
It's worth a mention for sure. Not that I regret getting the a900 at all, but I have spent a lot more money than I was planning since getting the a900.

I was told from a few people who had the a900 about the slippery slope and and the lens options get more limited. It's not that you can't get lenses to match the a900 performance, but there is a lack of mid tier lenses for the Sony mount. There are obviously 3rd party lenses, but it would be lovely to have an f4 option from Sony in the form of G, so a Sony 17-35/4, 24-105/4, 70-200/4 (SSM 'G' versions).
Obviously we have the f2.8 range, but these are over £1k per lens. Even the new Sigma 24-70/2.8 HSM is ~£800

I was hoping to 'make do' with some average FF lenses. Once I took that step to high MP FF, the step only seemed to make sense once I had the glass to match (for my most used). And when the mid tier range is lacking, it gets very expensive.

I sometimes feel that I've gone out on a drinking night with friends, we've all had one too many beers (have a few friends that have also gone FF), and now we are in full flow with the vodka redbulls :thinking:
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DID YOU HAVE TO MENTION THE VODKA REDBULLS :eek::eek::eek:


:love:

seriously though,i know what you mean re:lens'..you really do need top glass to bring out the best of the A900,so it may be a long,long wait for me...
 
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.u...0_cameras_UK_prices_released_news_282748.html

Sony A230, A330, A380 cameras: UK prices released

Monday 18th May 2009

Sony has confirmed the UK prices for its new Sony Alpha DSLRs which were announced earlier today.

The Alpha 230 will cost £530; The Alpha 330 will carry a £610 pricetag; while the Alpha 380 will make its UK debut costing £720.

Sony's has also confirmed that its new 50mm f/1.8 lens will cost £160 and the HVL-F20AM flash unit will go on sale for £150.

The A230 and A330 cameras will be available from 'mid-June' and the other kit (mentioned above) will hit the UK high street in July.
 
chrism_scotland said:
I have to say based on look alone if I hadn't yet bought a DSLR I would not have bought a Sony, my A300 was a cracking looking and handling camera and the A700 I'm getting will be the same, but the new ones look a little odd.
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I had to agree with you.. I would pay less and get the A300 instead.. Not only did the price dropped, it looked darn better as well..

Maybe its just my taste, but its too darn odd that I won't be surprise if anyone mistaken it for a PnS or a bridge cam..
 
Mr. Z said:
Maybe its just my taste, but its too darn odd that I won't be surprise if anyone mistaken it for a PnS or a bridge cam..
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it looks like Sony's primary aim with these cameras was to attract/make it easy for people with P&S or bridge cameras to upgrade.
 
springtide said:
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.u...0_cameras_UK_prices_released_news_282748.html

Sony A230, A330, A380 cameras: UK prices released

Monday 18th May 2009

Sony has confirmed the UK prices for its new Sony Alpha DSLRs which were announced earlier today.

The Alpha 230 will cost £530; The Alpha 330 will carry a £610 pricetag; while the Alpha 380 will make its UK debut costing £720.

Sony's has also confirmed that its new 50mm f/1.8 lens will cost £160 and the HVL-F20AM flash unit will go on sale for £150.

The A230 and A330 cameras will be available from 'mid-June' and the other kit (mentioned above) will hit the UK high street in July.
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Think I might grab a Sony HVL-F42AM flash now then for £155, I can imagine prices may go up if the basic one is going to be £150.00
 
I'll buck the trend here, and say I really like the look of the new range:p For me, these are the first true Sony DSLR's. By that I mean they don't seem to be influenced at all by the Konica Minolta takeover era.

I do get the impression that Sony have totally gone for the "DSLR beginners" club, which is a good move IMO. When you put them by the side of a 1000D or a D40/D60, the Sony's will seem a lot less daunting to a new DSLR user, and could see them shifting a LOT of units and gaining some more of that all important market share!

I just wish sony would make some of their decent glass cheaper! Some of their prices make my eyes water.......:thumbsdown:
 
chrism_scotland said:
Think I might grab a Sony HVL-F42AM flash now then for £155, I can imagine prices may go up if the basic one is going to be £150.00
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I think its best to go straight to the F58 instead. The rotating head is enough to kill for :naughty:

I am thinking of bringing some in from out of UK. Might be able to score them for a cheaper price compared to high street. :thinking:

Slimbert said:
I'll buck the trend here, and say I really like the look of the new range:p For me, these are the first true Sony DSLR's. By that I mean they don't seem to be influenced at all by the Konica Minolta takeover era.

I do get the impression that Sony have totally gone for the "DSLR beginners" club, which is a good move IMO. When you put them by the side of a 1000D or a D40/D60, the Sony's will seem a lot less daunting to a new DSLR user, and could see them shifting a LOT of units and gaining some more of that all important market share!

I just wish sony would make some of their decent glass cheaper! Some of their prices make my eyes water.......:thumbsdown:
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But, in my oppinion, if anyone would want a DSLR, wont they that look of a DSLR in the first place?
If you would want to make it less daunting, it should be marketed with the function wise, not look only.
I think that it should be sell as a bridge only, they dun look so different other than being able to change lens.
 
Mr. Z said:
But, in my oppinion, if anyone would want a DSLR, wont they that look of a DSLR in the first place?
If you would want to make it less daunting, it should be marketed with the function wise, not look only.
I think that it should be sell as a bridge only, they dun look so different other than being able to change lens.
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Sorry I didn't explain it very well! I mean't they were making the new range less daunting to beginners by making them easier to use by getting rid of some buttons and making the menu system more informative (help function) not by making them look the way they do!

I think it's a bold move to make them look so unique comparred to other DSLR's but I think it's a good one, others will obviously disagree!
 
Slimbert said:
I'll buck the trend here, and say I really like the look of the new range:p For me, these are the first true Sony DSLR's. By that I mean they don't seem to be influenced at all by the Konica Minolta takeover era.
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ever seen a Minolta Dynax 5? looks to me like similar thinking.

I just wish sony would make some of their decent glass cheaper! Some of their prices make my eyes water.......:thumbsdown:
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of course we all want things cheaper but their latest glass (70-400mm G, 16-35 ZA, 24-70 ZA) are priced very similarly to their competitors equivalent products.

Mr. Z said:
But, in my oppinion, if anyone would want a DSLR, wont they that look of a DSLR in the first place?
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I would have that that they wanted the functionality first & if it does the job right & feels right imo they are more important than looks.
 
heidfirst said:
ever seen a Minolta Dynax 5?
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I have one loaded with film in my camera bag right now!!

I get your point, but I think the new alpha range are very different to anything else on the market at the moment and it's definitely not a "playing it safe" move!

I will add, there's no way I'll be buying one of the new alpha range. The next camera I buy will be further up the range (a700?), I'm not into having the latest look or badge etc like some people are. What I'm hoping for (and have been for a while) is an a500, and I guess now that would be an a530?:thinking:

The a200/a300/a350 are almost the same camera with a couple of standout differences (liveview, MPs etc), the jump to the a700 seems a big one for a novice like me! But to be honest, the only reason I'm thinking of upgrading at all is the excellent price of the a700 at the moment, it has nothing to do with me needing the extra functionality or quality of the a700.

The new range of alphas won't make me part with any extra cash. But i'll bet the "easy to use" factor of the new range will be a big plus to people buying their first DSLR and could win Sony a lot of new fans.

For those of us that won't like the a730/a930 etc, well I guess we'll have to downgrade to Nikon :lol:
 
Slimbert said:
I have one loaded with film in my camera bag right now!!

I get your point, but I think the new alpha range are very different to anything else on the market at the moment and it's definitely not a "playing it safe" move!

I will add, there's no way I'll be buying one of the new alpha range. The next camera I buy will be further up the range (a700?), I'm not into having the latest look or badge etc like some people are. What I'm hoping for (and have been for a while) is an a500, and I guess now that would be an a530?:thinking:

The a200/a300/a350 are almost the same camera with a couple of standout differences (liveview, MPs etc), the jump to the a700 seems a big one for a novice like me! But to be honest, the only reason I'm thinking of upgrading at all is the excellent price of the a700 at the moment, it has nothing to do with me needing the extra functionality or quality of the a700.

The new range of alphas won't make me part with any extra cash. But i'll bet the "easy to use" factor of the new range will be a big plus to people buying their first DSLR and could win Sony a lot of new fans.

For those of us that won't like the a730/a930 etc, well I guess we'll have to downgrade to Nikon :lol:
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Have to say I'm the same, upgrading to the A700 not as I really need it but because I can't see an affordable Sony DSLR that I will be able to upgrade to once the A700 is gone.
 
Slimbert said:
I will add, there's no way I'll be buying one of the new alpha range. The next camera I buy will be further up the range (a700?),
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I don't think that they are aimed at you as you already have 1 & I'm sure that Sony will be happy to upsell you.
But i'll bet the "easy to use" factor of the new range will be a big plus to people buying their first DSLR and could win Sony a lot of new fans.
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I agree (think "your first DSLR""DSLRs for Dummies" etc. :p) & getting new users to choose the Alpha system over competitors is their primary purpose.

chrism_scotland said:
Have to say I'm the same, upgrading to the A700 not as I really need it but because I can't see an affordable Sony DSLR that I will be able to upgrade to once the A700 is gone.
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The A700 will be replaced though & if it comes in slightly higher specced than the current then there is probably enough room to sneak an "A500" in as well.
 
I am considering either the Sigma or Tamron 70-200mm 2.8 (can't afford the Sony one). Has any had any experience of either of these two?

Thanks
 
The Tamron is reckoned to be sharper but slower to focus.
David Kilpatrick seems to rate his Sigma HSM II highly.
 
Grayman said:
I am considering either the Sigma or Tamron 70-200mm 2.8 (can't afford the Sony one). Has any had any experience of either of these two?

Thanks
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I looked at the Tamron and the Sigma and went with Sigma, my decision was slightly swayed by the fact that I already have quite a sigma collection and have been very happy with in the past where Tamron are a bit of a personal unknown entity to me. Both lenses seemed to be sharp, I live in the USA so was able to go into B & H in Manhattan and try both in the store. I'm the photographer for a local zoo and was looking to get a 2.8 to step up from my beercan. I'm very happy with my choice, though its been a slight learning curve. With the lens wide open the field of depth is so short that an animals rump can get quite soft when I dont want it to be, so its taken some trial and error to get what I want. Its a heavy lens but I've had no issues handheld and it seems very well made, I actually like Sigmas EX finish so thats a bonus too. Been using it on an Alpha 100, as the Mrs is going away in a week or two it may be quietly replaced with a 700 in her absence though!
 
Zebedee101 said:
Been using it on an Alpha 100, as the Mrs is going away in a week or two it may be quietly replaced with a 700 in her absence though!
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Good idea! Just perfect your "no dear, I've had it for ages" speech in the bathroom mirror before she returns!!:thumbs:
 
chrism_scotland said:
Well I got my A700 on Saturday and so far very impressed with it, seems much better than my A300 in terms of usability and customization.
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Congrats mate, you won't regret it. Have you made sure that it has version 4 firmware in? Current ones should come with it but I still checked wjen I got my second one last month.
 
Im buying my first lens tonight after gettin my camera from Stan the Man on here about a year ago, found a 3.5-4.5 70-210mm Mintolta, not quite a beercan but very close in terms of quality appatently for 55 quid local to me as well. Good deal? Seems alright to me.
 
PDub said:
Im buying my first lens tonight after gettin my camera from Stan the Man on here about a year ago, found a 3.5-4.5 70-210mm Mintolta, not quite a beercan but very close in terms of quality appatently for 55 quid local to me as well. Good deal? Seems alright to me.
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They don't have the beercan build quality, but the optics are great! Plus, 4.5 at 210mm can be handy sometimes. I've got the same 3.5-4.5 but it's 35-70mm and it's a very underrated lens!
 
PDub said:
Im buying my first lens tonight after gettin my camera from Stan the Man on here about a year ago, found a 3.5-4.5 70-210mm Mintolta, not quite a beercan but very close in terms of quality appatently for 55 quid local to me as well. Good deal? Seems alright to me.
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hi mate...hows the A100 going?

although not the beercan,the focal range will be a good addition to the 18-70 kit lens,although i'm not familiar with it..so can't offer comment on how good it is.....take a look here...

http://www.dyxum.com/reviews/lenses/reviews.asp?IDLens=50

looks like an "okay" lens,but you may be better off getting something along the 70-300 lines...
 
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